I love book clubs, and earlier this week I met with a wonderful group of women in a North Carolina book club – Winston-Salem to be exact. I met The Book Babes, as they call themselves, via Skype. I absolutely loved this group of women. (Hi Book Babes!) I told them I was doing a post in their honor, and they were kind enough to send a photo, so I hope they stop by.
The Book Babes (I love this name!)Â chose The Secret Sense of Wildflower as their January selection and had plenty of wonderful questions for me about the book.
One asked about the symbolism behind the necklace (the gold Mary). Another wondered why the story was set in Tennessee. Another woman asked how the assault scene could seem so real, and how did I know how to do that. Another asked about the secret sense and why it went away after Wildflower was hurt; why she kept blaming herself. (I hope I’m not forgetting anything.) I loved these questions, and felt honored to answer them.
Readers and writers have a very special relationship. (I know this because I’m an avid reader, too!) We really aren’t anything without each other. Once I create a story and put it out into the world (a process that takes years), the circle isn’t complete until the book is received and read. I think of it as an exchange. If what we have to offer the world isn’t received, then the process – the circle – feels incomplete.
Imagine that you are a wonderful cook and you make an elaborate feast for Thanksgiving dinner and then your guests don’t show up and eat! This is why writers are nothing without readers; readers are nothing without writers; and why book clubs, like the Book Babes, rock!
The Book Babes completed the circle for me, and for that I am grateful. They read Wildflower’s story and seemed to enjoy it. By asking questions and giving me feedback, I received a gift in return.
The gifts of giving and receiving make life feel a little easier, a little richer, and as people, we get to feel a little more connected. Isn’t this what this journey is all about?
For a writer like me, it doesn’t get any better than that.
Thank you, dear Book Babes, for keeping the circle going.
Thoughts? Questions? Just want to say “hi”? Comment below. As always, I’d love to hear from you!
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Read about other book clubs here.
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BABES! (I can say that and not get my face slapped.)
Yes, you can, John. 🙂 Book Babes is a great name for a book club.
Bodacious Book Babes is better!
It was a great pleasure meeting the author, Susan Gabriel, via Skype who wrote the last book we (Book Babes) read for our book discussion in January. She was able to answer many of our questions about the book, “The Secret Sense of Wildflower”. A must read. Thanks Susan Gabriel for spending time with us.
Hi Janet! That’s so kind of you to say. I had a blast. If I’d thought about it at the time, I would asked you what you would have liked more of in the story, or less of. I’m always trying to learn from my readers, too.
I also wish I lived a tad closer (and didn’t have so much going on right now), so that I could have met you all in person. Maybe next time?
I love Bodacious Book Babes! I wish we had thought of that. It was such a privilege to talk with you via Skype. We all wish you could have joined us in person for our conversation. We had so many thoughts and questions About the characters and events. There just wasn’t enough time! We truly appreciated your taking your time to share with us. We are all looking forward to the sequel with much anticipation.
Hi Terry,
The privilege was mine. Thank you. I would have loved to have talked longer, too! Maybe next time I can come to Winston-Salem and we can talk about books and writing to our hearts content. Thanks so much for reading Wildflower’s story!
A big hug to you and the Book Babes!